SOCIAL MEDIA


Well not so sure about the slowing down part but I can catch up here anyway. So much for my getting back to blogging after my summer hiatus. Halfway through September already and we are having a spectacular fall in the South. Except for the tropical storms that is but, we made it through pretty much unscathed just a big mess to clean up in the yard thankfully. My heart goes out to all of our brothers and sisters in the South and everywhere who were hit hard.

Football and fall sports are in full swing, the kids are about to have fall break, I have chrysanthemums and all things pumpkin are filling the store shelves... I'm pretty much white girl wasted on life over here. As soon as the leaves change and the temps drop I'll be in hog heaven!

So my birthday happened earlier this month and this year I finally made the wise choice to plan my own celebration. Well, I actually planned it over a month ago but celebrated the day after the actual day at Gunshow for dinner. They only take reservations 30 days in advance and when the calendar opens up they go like hotcakes! And now I know why. I went with one of my best college gal pals and we had a great evening. I won't bore you with long descriptions of the dishes, the menu changes every night so it would be kind of pointless. It's such a cool concept though, communal tables, each chef cooking their own selection and presenting it to you table side. You have the option to accept or decline each dish as it comes but if you say no you don't get another opportunity. We said yes to pretty much everything except 2 or 3 things. The food  and the vibe were Ah-mazing. I will definitely be going back!


Last weekend was also pretty memorable although somewhat less amazing. Music Midtown was more crowded than I remembered  from years  past which was not really a good thing for me personally. Ugh, I hate crowds oddly enough because I loooove concerts. Somehow I continue to put myself right smack in the middle of them though. For the music, and the music was really, really good. The fashion however was brutal. I saw more ass cheeks and tits hanging out than an internet porn site. I am all for wearing what you want but I am wondering if people, or women really,  actually own mirrors anymore. Based on this weekend I am going to say no. The nude body suit with high waisted shorts is not really a look for everyone. Especially braless, and let me tell you, apparently bras are a thing of the past. Unless you are wearing one as an actual shirt. Not kidding. It was however, some of the best people watching ever as it is every damn year. Oh to be 20 again. But alas I am not. I walked over 5 miles on Saturday and 3.6 on Sunday amongst the crowds of sweaty masses. I can not tell you how happy I was to have taken PTO on Monday so my middle aged ass could recover. I say never again, I am retiring from festivals that last more than a day. But then again, if the lineup was right I could be persuaded. And get me a room at a nice hotel and I am probably, maybe, definitely in. The Glenn Hotel was beautiful and the infamous rooftop bar Skylounge equally impressive. It has been voted one of the top rooftop bars in the world in a couple of magazines. It really was quite spectacular. See up at the top of this post. These weekends in town coupled with spending a lot of work time in town make me think that this is really where I want to be eventually. I am so over the suburbs.



In other news I have been Tindering away, meeting interesting guys that really don't interest me personally but hey, I'm trying. Work is crazy but I love it. My kids are amazing and my dog sleeps a lot as you can see on my IG story. I am still muddling my way thru some sort of ketogenic/paleo/donut eating plan. Kidding... kinda. I committed to 3 mos of keto so I am going to stick it out. I find it very hard to restrict fruits and vegetables though based on their carb content. I've lost like 8 lbs which is pretty crappy but... I like wine, beer and tito's. And it's football season. But really it has been a good experience just to be more acutely aware of carbs and sugar. Yikes, they are insane in some things you wouldn't even think about. Maybe I'll do a post on that, or on keto food. The truth is I think that just being mindful no matter what my specific plan is a good thing for me.

Aaaand..... That's all for now... Happy Weekend

Catching Up And Slowing Down

Friday, September 22, 2017


Well not so sure about the slowing down part but I can catch up here anyway. So much for my getting back to blogging after my summer hiatus. Halfway through September already and we are having a spectacular fall in the South. Except for the tropical storms that is but, we made it through pretty much unscathed just a big mess to clean up in the yard thankfully. My heart goes out to all of our brothers and sisters in the South and everywhere who were hit hard.

Football and fall sports are in full swing, the kids are about to have fall break, I have chrysanthemums and all things pumpkin are filling the store shelves... I'm pretty much white girl wasted on life over here. As soon as the leaves change and the temps drop I'll be in hog heaven!

So my birthday happened earlier this month and this year I finally made the wise choice to plan my own celebration. Well, I actually planned it over a month ago but celebrated the day after the actual day at Gunshow for dinner. They only take reservations 30 days in advance and when the calendar opens up they go like hotcakes! And now I know why. I went with one of my best college gal pals and we had a great evening. I won't bore you with long descriptions of the dishes, the menu changes every night so it would be kind of pointless. It's such a cool concept though, communal tables, each chef cooking their own selection and presenting it to you table side. You have the option to accept or decline each dish as it comes but if you say no you don't get another opportunity. We said yes to pretty much everything except 2 or 3 things. The food  and the vibe were Ah-mazing. I will definitely be going back!


Last weekend was also pretty memorable although somewhat less amazing. Music Midtown was more crowded than I remembered  from years  past which was not really a good thing for me personally. Ugh, I hate crowds oddly enough because I loooove concerts. Somehow I continue to put myself right smack in the middle of them though. For the music, and the music was really, really good. The fashion however was brutal. I saw more ass cheeks and tits hanging out than an internet porn site. I am all for wearing what you want but I am wondering if people, or women really,  actually own mirrors anymore. Based on this weekend I am going to say no. The nude body suit with high waisted shorts is not really a look for everyone. Especially braless, and let me tell you, apparently bras are a thing of the past. Unless you are wearing one as an actual shirt. Not kidding. It was however, some of the best people watching ever as it is every damn year. Oh to be 20 again. But alas I am not. I walked over 5 miles on Saturday and 3.6 on Sunday amongst the crowds of sweaty masses. I can not tell you how happy I was to have taken PTO on Monday so my middle aged ass could recover. I say never again, I am retiring from festivals that last more than a day. But then again, if the lineup was right I could be persuaded. And get me a room at a nice hotel and I am probably, maybe, definitely in. The Glenn Hotel was beautiful and the infamous rooftop bar Skylounge equally impressive. It has been voted one of the top rooftop bars in the world in a couple of magazines. It really was quite spectacular. See up at the top of this post. These weekends in town coupled with spending a lot of work time in town make me think that this is really where I want to be eventually. I am so over the suburbs.



In other news I have been Tindering away, meeting interesting guys that really don't interest me personally but hey, I'm trying. Work is crazy but I love it. My kids are amazing and my dog sleeps a lot as you can see on my IG story. I am still muddling my way thru some sort of ketogenic/paleo/donut eating plan. Kidding... kinda. I committed to 3 mos of keto so I am going to stick it out. I find it very hard to restrict fruits and vegetables though based on their carb content. I've lost like 8 lbs which is pretty crappy but... I like wine, beer and tito's. And it's football season. But really it has been a good experience just to be more acutely aware of carbs and sugar. Yikes, they are insane in some things you wouldn't even think about. Maybe I'll do a post on that, or on keto food. The truth is I think that just being mindful no matter what my specific plan is a good thing for me.

Aaaand..... That's all for now... Happy Weekend

PSL is here


And you may ask yourself... Well, how did I get here? At least I do just about every time I flip the calendar over to a new month. But this is September, the most wonderful time of the year. It's actually already starting to feel like fall here in GA. We have had some cool temps thanks to all of the hurricanes and I have been loving it. So let's get into what else is up currently...


CELEBRATING

My beautiful daughter made the Equestrian Team at Georgia Southern!!! I am so beyond proud of her and she is super excited. It was not planned at all. She took an all skill levels horseback riding class as an elective just to get some barn time and exercise. Just so happens the equestrian team rides at the same barn and to make a long story short, after seeing her ride and inquiring as to why she was not trying out for the team, they offered her a spot. Of course I said go for it, I'll scrub some extra toilets if I have to! This is a huge opportunity for her as she is studying to be a large animal vet with an equine specialty. How cool is that??


WATCHING

My progress on the scale go up and down like a yo-yo. I know, you are going to say throw the scale out but I want to see how this keto thing is working. I thought it was. I lost 8 lbs then one weekend I gained five, then I lost 6 and the next weekend I gained 4. The long and short of this is that I don't think I really thought this through, researched enough or know what the hell I'm actually doing here. There is a science to it and I am going to need to keep tweaking it a bit to get it to work for me. Everything I have read says you can expect to lose about 12 lbs the first month. Yeah, unless you are me. My gut feeling is that the Whole30 approach is a better fit for me, eliminate dairy and add back fruits and veggies. But I'm gonna stick this out just a bit longer and see.

http://3-week-diet.digimkts.com/This is perhaps the best change I've ever made.Tracy did this and looks great !Who knew that this would be so super!


WELCOMING

All things pumpkin spice. I mean, I'm not gonna lie... I am one of those weirdos who loves the stuff and if it has pumpkin spice on the label my FOMO does not allow me to pass it up. Like what if it is really good and it sells out before I can try it??? Looks like a few doozies out there this year...


Holy Hell yes, 1000 times yes...

nutpods Dairy-Free Creamer Unsweetened (Pumpkin Spice, 4-pack) - Whole30 Approved

This I could see maybe...



Still a possibility....


Image result for pumpkin spice foods

I draw the line at Bud Light. 




PREPARING

To celebrate my birthday this weekend in the lowest key way possible. Dinner plans on Saturday night at ... drumroll please for me finally getting my ass there... Gunshow, with one of my favorite Virgo pals.

Image result for gunshow restaurant


PHOTGRAPHING

Not much lately. I feel like I am doing a bit better job at living this year and not documenting every little thing by trying to photograph my entire life. No apologies.



Linking up with Anne and Lowanda for Currently this month. 


Currently: September

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

PSL is here


And you may ask yourself... Well, how did I get here? At least I do just about every time I flip the calendar over to a new month. But this is September, the most wonderful time of the year. It's actually already starting to feel like fall here in GA. We have had some cool temps thanks to all of the hurricanes and I have been loving it. So let's get into what else is up currently...


CELEBRATING

My beautiful daughter made the Equestrian Team at Georgia Southern!!! I am so beyond proud of her and she is super excited. It was not planned at all. She took an all skill levels horseback riding class as an elective just to get some barn time and exercise. Just so happens the equestrian team rides at the same barn and to make a long story short, after seeing her ride and inquiring as to why she was not trying out for the team, they offered her a spot. Of course I said go for it, I'll scrub some extra toilets if I have to! This is a huge opportunity for her as she is studying to be a large animal vet with an equine specialty. How cool is that??


WATCHING

My progress on the scale go up and down like a yo-yo. I know, you are going to say throw the scale out but I want to see how this keto thing is working. I thought it was. I lost 8 lbs then one weekend I gained five, then I lost 6 and the next weekend I gained 4. The long and short of this is that I don't think I really thought this through, researched enough or know what the hell I'm actually doing here. There is a science to it and I am going to need to keep tweaking it a bit to get it to work for me. Everything I have read says you can expect to lose about 12 lbs the first month. Yeah, unless you are me. My gut feeling is that the Whole30 approach is a better fit for me, eliminate dairy and add back fruits and veggies. But I'm gonna stick this out just a bit longer and see.

http://3-week-diet.digimkts.com/This is perhaps the best change I've ever made.Tracy did this and looks great !Who knew that this would be so super!


WELCOMING

All things pumpkin spice. I mean, I'm not gonna lie... I am one of those weirdos who loves the stuff and if it has pumpkin spice on the label my FOMO does not allow me to pass it up. Like what if it is really good and it sells out before I can try it??? Looks like a few doozies out there this year...


Holy Hell yes, 1000 times yes...

nutpods Dairy-Free Creamer Unsweetened (Pumpkin Spice, 4-pack) - Whole30 Approved

This I could see maybe...



Still a possibility....


Image result for pumpkin spice foods

I draw the line at Bud Light. 




PREPARING

To celebrate my birthday this weekend in the lowest key way possible. Dinner plans on Saturday night at ... drumroll please for me finally getting my ass there... Gunshow, with one of my favorite Virgo pals.

Image result for gunshow restaurant


PHOTGRAPHING

Not much lately. I feel like I am doing a bit better job at living this year and not documenting every little thing by trying to photograph my entire life. No apologies.



Linking up with Anne and Lowanda for Currently this month. 


Image result for trader joe's logo


Ever since my office moved next to Trader Joe's it has become a ritual for me to stop on Friday afternoon for weekend supplies. It's so funny to me that for a relatively tiny store there are so many amazing and unique things to try. I also think it's very cool that all of these things are their proprietary brand. I always feel a little like I stepped back in time and am at the corner store owned by some little Mom & Pop. I have only scratched the surface of all the wonderful stuff they have and every week I try to grab some new thing but today let's talk favorites. These are the things I reach for just about every time I go because either I or everyone else (usually both) in my house love them. 

BAGS - If you read me you know I am a bag whore. I love their shopping bags. They are always bright and cheerful and they hold up very well.  I never need an excuse to grab a new design when it comes out. 

Image result for trader joe's logo atlanta bag



CREAMY TOSCANO CHEESE - Since I am also a cheese whore... this. Several area grocery stores sell a similar but more expensive version of the exact same cheese. The TJ's wedge is twice the size and half the price. Get in my face with a nice glass of wine pronto. 

Image result for trader joe's cheese soaked in syrah


DARK CHOCOLATE MINT CREAMS - I looooove York Peppermint Patties. These are a tiny bite size drop of heaven that is basically the same only a little softer and meltier, that's totally a word. Be warned if you are a mint lover... addictive. 


Related image



GORGONZOLA GNOCCHI - I kind of wish I had never tried these little pillows of cheesy potato goodness but alas I have and they are now in my dreams. Bonus, super fast and easy meal for one, even though the bag says otherwise. 




Image result for trader joe's gorgonzola gnocchi


SPATCHCOCKED LEMON ROSEMARY CHICKEN - I saw this in one of their ads and they raved about it so I tried it. You guys, if you don't feel like spatchcocking your own damn chicken just get one of these. It's a whole chicken split up the back and you roast it flat in a pan so it cooks faster. Absolutely delicious. Make a salad or a veg and you are done!


Image result for trader joe's spatchcocked lemon rosemary chicken


ESPRESSO PILLOWS - If you are standing in the checkout trying to decide which delicious little grab and go treat you want, get these. If you are a coffee lover you will not be sorry. I am sorry but you are going to have a hard time not finishing the whole tin. They make a great little gift item if you need something extra too. 

Image result for trader joe's espresso pillows


ROASTED GORGONZOLA CRISPS - Clearly I have a cheese problem and I admit it freely. These are kind of like a more gourmet version of cheeze-its. They are bite size so don't really plan on serving them with cheese just  more or less tossing a handful into your mouth. You're welcome. 


Image result for trader joe's blue cheese crackers


I could easily do another couple of posts like this and I probably will because... TJ's obsessed. After all Pumpkin season is right around the corner and they go a little crazy with the pumpkin spice products which I personally love.  What's your favorite TJ's thing? Do share...





Linking up with Amanda.

Friday Favorites From TJ's

Friday, September 1, 2017

Image result for trader joe's logo


Ever since my office moved next to Trader Joe's it has become a ritual for me to stop on Friday afternoon for weekend supplies. It's so funny to me that for a relatively tiny store there are so many amazing and unique things to try. I also think it's very cool that all of these things are their proprietary brand. I always feel a little like I stepped back in time and am at the corner store owned by some little Mom & Pop. I have only scratched the surface of all the wonderful stuff they have and every week I try to grab some new thing but today let's talk favorites. These are the things I reach for just about every time I go because either I or everyone else (usually both) in my house love them. 

BAGS - If you read me you know I am a bag whore. I love their shopping bags. They are always bright and cheerful and they hold up very well.  I never need an excuse to grab a new design when it comes out. 

Image result for trader joe's logo atlanta bag



CREAMY TOSCANO CHEESE - Since I am also a cheese whore... this. Several area grocery stores sell a similar but more expensive version of the exact same cheese. The TJ's wedge is twice the size and half the price. Get in my face with a nice glass of wine pronto. 

Image result for trader joe's cheese soaked in syrah


DARK CHOCOLATE MINT CREAMS - I looooove York Peppermint Patties. These are a tiny bite size drop of heaven that is basically the same only a little softer and meltier, that's totally a word. Be warned if you are a mint lover... addictive. 


Related image



GORGONZOLA GNOCCHI - I kind of wish I had never tried these little pillows of cheesy potato goodness but alas I have and they are now in my dreams. Bonus, super fast and easy meal for one, even though the bag says otherwise. 




Image result for trader joe's gorgonzola gnocchi


SPATCHCOCKED LEMON ROSEMARY CHICKEN - I saw this in one of their ads and they raved about it so I tried it. You guys, if you don't feel like spatchcocking your own damn chicken just get one of these. It's a whole chicken split up the back and you roast it flat in a pan so it cooks faster. Absolutely delicious. Make a salad or a veg and you are done!


Image result for trader joe's spatchcocked lemon rosemary chicken


ESPRESSO PILLOWS - If you are standing in the checkout trying to decide which delicious little grab and go treat you want, get these. If you are a coffee lover you will not be sorry. I am sorry but you are going to have a hard time not finishing the whole tin. They make a great little gift item if you need something extra too. 

Image result for trader joe's espresso pillows


ROASTED GORGONZOLA CRISPS - Clearly I have a cheese problem and I admit it freely. These are kind of like a more gourmet version of cheeze-its. They are bite size so don't really plan on serving them with cheese just  more or less tossing a handful into your mouth. You're welcome. 


Image result for trader joe's blue cheese crackers


I could easily do another couple of posts like this and I probably will because... TJ's obsessed. After all Pumpkin season is right around the corner and they go a little crazy with the pumpkin spice products which I personally love.  What's your favorite TJ's thing? Do share...





Linking up with Amanda.

Instagram